I was sad to open my email on Friday and find an email from a friend with the link to the press release from Atty Gen Richard Blumenthal – Attorney General Alleges Charity Operator Diverted Money Intended For Victims Of Human Trafficking And Orphaned Aids Victims - an announcement of a lawsuit against the founder of Ahava Kids, Ray Bechard. Bechard has presented at our events, and had presented at the state task force on human trafficking at various times. I wasn’t sure whether to post the information here or not, as I was hoping that it wasn’t true (and we still do not know for sure). I decided, however, that it would be better to post information as it becomes available. Sadly, the more I read the less hope I have that it is false.

Bechard is accused of misusing $100,000 of the $250,000 the organization has received in donations . Some of that money was transferred into the four other companies Bechard owns, Disciple Makers Workshop LLC, Son Celebration LLC, Gift Catalog Online LLC, and Compel Communications LLC.

Unfortunately, I was not too surprised to see this story, as I was concerned with Bechard’s lack of ability to clarify how his organization worked with people who decided to leave prostitution, among other things. After pressing him several times at two different events, he could give no answer. This was one of the first red flags for me. Donna Hughes, as part of the Citizens Against Trafficking in Rhode Island, has posted this piece about her interaction with Bechard, and discusses some of the false information and stories he has given.

Here are a few more stories: CT New Channel 8, NBC Connecticut, the Hartford Courant and the Day.  Currently there is nothing up on the Ahava Kids website, but if anything is posted, I will be sure to add it here.